[TS3660]

I've been wanting a lathe for quite some time now and I keep browsing Craigs List for one but just never find what I want. I've also been looking at this Grizzly.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0462

Which I have a few questions on. First, why is it a 2hp when other lathes from grizzly, even at twice the price are only 1 1/2 hp? And also, can anyone recommend a good starter lathe? I would want it for bowls, legs, plates, etc. Not pens.

 

[Dave Paine]

Best to ask Grizzly why they put a 2HP motor on that lathe. May be to attract buyers on the basis that more HP may be better.

I would prefer a 2HP motor over 1 1/2HP assuming no other features missing and I had a circuit with enough amps. Note this needs a 20 amp circuit.

I expect most lathes are designed for 15 amp circuits which may be why so many are 1 1/2HP.

Lathe recommendations are in many threads on the forum, one from only a few days ago. No sense in repeating.

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f6/new-lathe-56950/

The NOVA 1624 is presently on sale at Woodcraft. A good price for this lathe.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020011/22005/Nova-1624-44-Wood-Lathe.aspx

 

[john lucas]

Well first of all throw away that Cantelever tool rest. It's junk and you'll break it first good catch you get. If your lucky and don't break it you will still get lots of vibration from it which will cause chatter and spirals on your turnings.
My guess is Grizzly is a lot like the old Craftsman stuff in that the horsepower ratings are overblown anyway.
The Nova lathe mentioned is a wonderful lathes. Don't know anyone who owns one who doesn't like it. I had 2 Nova lathes and recommend them highly.

 

[cuerodoc]

+ 1 with John about that tool rest.
I have the ShopFox 1758 (aka Grizzly) that I bought at a surplus auction and upgraded the tool rest to a One Way banjo-- was pricey but makes it into a really good lathe. Even buying the oneway rest, I still kept the price to half the price of a new one.
The slow speed is a bit fast to start blanks on, but that's a comfort thing as long not badly imbalanced.
I also have a Nova 1624 and very highly recommend it! (It's my fave)

 

[TonyM]

lathes

I use a Record and find it does everything I ask of it with ease. I've had a Griz and a Craftsman. The both hold sanding drums now...I use the Record for shaping and the sanding drums for finish and contour. There are better ones out there but for me the Record makes nice stuff.

TonyM